the district has to cut back after measure q failed to get a two-thirds majority in last month's election. the measure called for a parcel tax to help fund fire services. >>> president obama is closely monitoring a week-long strike at two southern california ports. 800 members of the clerical union who work at the ports of los angeles and long beach had been working without a contract for more than two years. the clerks don't handle cargo but dock workers are refusing to cross picket lines forcing a shutdown of most terminals. experts estimate the strike is costing the u.s. up to $1 billion a day. and it could delay shipments of holiday gift merchandise. >>> there's a tentative contract agreement between port of oakland and union workers. two weeks ago, more than 500 members of seiu local 1021 went on strike. they had been at the bargaining table for 16 months. details of the agreement will be released when the contract is voted on tomorrow. >>> president obama will host a group of governors today to talk about the "fiscal cliff" after he rejected a counterproposal from congressional repu